Ward 8

Ward 8 News: Cycle Tracks Network

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Article Date:
5/25/2015

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Construction of Calgary’s Cycle Tracks Network is well underway in the downtown core and Beltline, and I’m hopeful that some of the routes will be open to thousands of bicycle users soon. In the meantime, please make sure you keep off of the tracks: until all barrier, paint and roads work is complete, the tracks remain dangerous and are not to be used.

Next month we’ll be officially kicking off the Cycle Tracks Network with a bicycle-and-family-friendly party in the Beltline. I hope you’ll join me at Barb Scott Park (9 Street and 12 Avenue SW) from 11am-3pm on Sunday, June 21, for the formal ribbon-cutting, live music with Sled Island, food trucks and plenty of bike-parking. Bring your family and friends, and we’ll send these beautiful new bike corridors off in style!

The Cycle Tracks Network pilot project has been the product of lengthy, rigorous and in-depth research and planning work by City Administration. In fact, when compared to the rather small capital investment cost, this project has seen the most extensive planning and public engagement process that the City of Calgary Transportation Department has ever undertaken. Next year we’ll review the outcomes and make a decision on the future of this project.

Of course, due to both construction and the new bike lanes, there are adjustments; it will take some time for commuters, downtown parkers, businesses, pedestrians and cyclists to get used to the new tracks. The City is removing four lanes of vehicular traffic and taking out a good number of parking stalls on the five affected roads. Even though there are over a hundred other lanes in the Centre City, and more parking stalls will be added than have been lost, I appreciate the inconvenience that many Ward 8 residents and business owners have experienced, and will ensure that any long-term difficulties are addressed through this pilot project.

This content represents the personal views and opinions of the Ward Councillor and should not be taken as a statement of policy of The City of Calgary. The inclusion of any external content does not imply endorsement by The City of Calgary.